1Commission from the Continental Congress, 19 June 1775 (Washington Papers)
I n C ongress T he delegates of the United Colonies of New-hampshire, Massachusetts bay, Rhode-island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, New Castle Kent & Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina & South Carolina T o G eorge W ashington Esquire W e reposing especial trust and confidence in your patriotism, conduct and fidelity Do by these presents constitute and...
2Instructions from the Continental Congress, 22 June 1775 (Washington Papers)
In Congress This Congress having appointed you to be General & Commander in chief of the army of the United Colonies and of all the forces raised or to be raised by them and of all others who shall voluntarily offer their service and join the said army for the defence of American liberty and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof, you are to repair with all expedition to the colony of...
3IV. The Declaration as Adopted by Congress, [6 July 1775] (Jefferson Papers)
A Declaration by the Reprensentatives of the United Colonies of North-America, now met in Congress at Philadelphia, setting forth the Causes and Necessity of their taking up Arms. if it was possible for Men, who exercise their Reason to believe, that the Divine Author of our Existence intended a Part of the human Race to hold an absolute Property in, and an unbounded Power over others, marked...
4Second Petition from Congress to the King, 8 July 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
We your Majesty’s faithful subjects of the colonies of Newhampshire, Massachusetts-bay, Rhode island and Providence plantations, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the counties of New Castle Kent and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, in behalf of ourselves and the inhabitants of these colonies, who have deputed us to represent them in...
5II. The Resolutions as Adopted by Congress, 31 July 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
THE several Assemblies of New Jersey , Pennsylvania and Virginia , having refered to the Congress a resolution of the House of Commons of Great Britain , which resolution is in these words, viz. Lunae , 20° die Feb. 1775. The House in a Committee on the American papers. Motion made, and question proposed . That
Resolved , That a letter be sent by Express to Genl Washington, to inform him, that they Congress having received certain intelligence of the sailing of two north country built Brigs, of no force, from England, on the 11 of August last, loaded with arms, powder, and other stores, for Quebec, without a convoy, which it being of importance to intercept, that he apply to the council of...
The Committee appointed to enquire, what Powder has been Sent to the Army in the Northern Department, have attended that service and beg Leave to report That five Thousand Weight of Powder, sent from South Carolina, has been forwarded to the said Army. 5000 wt. That Two Thousand one hundred and thirty six Pounds Weight have been forwarded to the Same Army from the City of Philadelphia. 2136...
The continental congress having been pleased to appoint us a committe for collecting an account of the hostilities committed by the ministerial troops and navy in America, since last March, with proper evidence of the truth of the facts related, the number and value of the buildings destroyed, and of the vessels inward and outward bound seised, by them as nearly as can be ascertained, and also...
3 November 1775. Dft not found. printed : JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress , 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 3:319. Based on a report (not found) from a committee appointed 26 October composed of John Rutledge, JA , Samuel Ward, Richard Henry Lee, and Roger Sherman, which reported on 3 November ( same Worthington C. Ford and others,...
10Continental Congress: Agreement of Secrecy, 9 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
Resolved That every member of this Congress considers himself under the ties of virtue, honor and love of his Country not to divulge directly or indirectly any matter or thing agitated or debated in Congress before the same shall have been determined, without leave of the Congress; nor any matter or thing determined in Congress which a majority of the Congress shall order to be kept secret,...
11Draft of a Declaration on the British Treatment of Ethan Allen, [2 January 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
A Declaration by the Representatives of the United colonies in Congress. When necessity compelled us to take arms against Great Britain in defence of our just rights, we thought it a circumstance of comfort that our enemy was brave and civilized. It is the happiness of modern times that the evils of necessary war are softened by refinement of manners and sentiment, and that an enemy is an...
12I. Resolutions on Saltpeter and Powder Mills, 23 February 1776 (Adams Papers)
Resolved , That it be recommended to the several Assemblies, Conventions, Councils or Committees of Safety, and Committees of Correspondence and Inspection in the United Colonies, to exert themselves in devising farther ways and means of promoting and encouraging the manufacture of Salt-petre, and of introducing that manufacture into private families. Resolved , That it be recommended to the...
13II. Resolutions Concerning the Canadian Campaign, 8 March 1776 (Adams Papers)
Resolved , That the gentlemen who are appointed to go into Canada, be desired to enquire into the cause of the imprisonment of the officers of Militia, in that country and others, and take such measures in concert with the commanding officer of the continental forces there, for their enlargement or confinement, as are consistent with the principles of justice, and the safety of the United...
14III. Instructions to the Commissioners to Canada, 20 March 1776 (Adams Papers)
You are, with all convenient despatch, to repair to Canada, and make known to the people of that country, the wishes and intentions of the Congress with respect to them. Represent to them, that the arms of the United Colonies, having been carried into that province for the purpose of frustrating the designs of the British court against our common liberties, we expect not only to defeat the...
15IV. John Hancock to George Washington, 2 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
It gives me the most sensible Pleasure to convey to you, by Order of Congress, the only Tribute, which a free People will ever consent to Pay; the Tribute of Thanks and Gratitude to their Friends and Benefactors. The disinterested and patriotic Principles which led you to the Field, have also led you to Glory: and it affords no little Consolation to your Countrymen to reflect, that, as a...
16V. Preamble to Resolution on Independent Governments, 15 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
Whereas his Britannic Majesty, in conjunction with the lords and commons of Great Britain, has, by a late act of Parliament, excluded the inhabitants of these United Colonies from the protection of his crown; And whereas, no answer, whatever, to the humble petitions of the colonies for redress of grievances and reconciliation with Great Britain, has been or is likely to be given; but, the...
17VI. Amendment to a Committee Report, 21 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
13. Resolved that the Commissioners in Canada and General Schuyler be informed that We cannot give them any positive assurance of maintaining our Army there by hard Money, but that We are this might not check discourage our Operations, Congress being determined to send from these Colonies, the necessary Supplies of Provisions and all other Necessaries if hard Money cannot be obtained, and that...
18VII. Committee Report on Esek Hopkins’ Letter, 7 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the Letter from Eseck Hopkins Commodore of the Continental Fleet dated Providence May 22 1776, have taken the same into Consideration and come to the following Resolutions. Resolved that Mr. Charles Walker of N. Providence ought to be paid the Value of the Sloop Endeavour, together with four Tons of Lignum Vita and one hundred Cedar Posts taken by the said...
19IV. The Declaration of Independence as Amended by the Committee and by Congress, 11 June–4 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Ed. Note: This document is TJ’s text of the Declaration as copied into his Notes of Proceedings in the Continental Congress, 7 June to 1 Aug. 1776 (which was eventually incorporated in his Autobiography) and is printed above as part of these Notes (q.v., p. 315), above; a facsimile text is available in Boyd, Declaration of Independence , 1945, pl. viii . This copy (actually there are two,...
20V. The Declaration of Independence as Adopted by Congress, 11 June–4 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776. THE UNANIMOUS DECLARATION OF THE THIRTEEN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA , When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect...
21VIII. Committee Report on Letters from William Palfrey, 17 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
The Committee to whom were referred, the Letter from William Palfrey Esqr. Paymaster General, dated New York 19 May, in closing his Weekly Account ending 18 May 1776, and another Letter from the said Paymaster General dated at N. York 3 June 1776 inclosing his Weekly interest Return to May 31, have considered the same and come to the following Resolutions, vizt. Resolved, as the opinion of...
22I. A Plan of Treaties, 18 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
There Shall be a firm, inviolable, and universal Peace, and a true and Sincere Friendship between the most Serene and mighty Prince, Lewis the Sixteenth, the most Christian King his Heirs and Successors, and the united States of America; and the Subjects of the most Christian King, and of the Said States; and between the Countries, Islands, Cities, and Towns Situate under the Jurisdiction of...
23IX. Committee Report on Fortifying Harbors, 24 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
The Committee appointed to consider what Harbours are proper to be fortified, have attended that Service, and come to the following Resolutions. vizt Resolved as the opinion of this Committee, that the Harbour of Cape Ann, in the Colony of Massachusetts Bay, ought to be fortified, and to this End that Twenty Pieces of large Cannon, with Ten Eighteen Pounders and Ten Twenty four Pounders, be...
24A Declaration by the Representatives of the United States of America in general Congress assembled, 28 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
When in the Course of human Events it becomes necessary for a People to advance from that Subordination, in which they have hitherto remained and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the equal and independent Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Natures God entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Man kind requires that they Should declare the Causes, which impell them to...
257 August., 7 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
7 August. The congress ordered payment of $222 to three Canadians, Messrs. Giasson, Hertel, and de la Magdelaine, for their expenses from 15 Nov. to 31 July as prisoners at Bristol ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress , 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 5:636).
269 August., 9 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
9 August. The congress resolved that the Secret Committee supply the Delaware battalion with those articles in the Committee’s possession thought necessary by the Board of War and that it also send 30,000 flints to General Washington ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress , 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 5:640; Note: The report for this...
2710 August., 10 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
10 August. The congress resolved that the officers recommended by the Board be issued commissions, excepting only those named to fill positions held by captured officers, which were to remain open until an exchange was effected; that in the 10th and 20th regiments, respectively, Lieutenant Colonels John Tyler and John Durkee be commissioned colonels and Majors Samuel Prentiss and Thomas...
2813 August., 13 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
13 August. The congress resolved that General Washington supply it with a copy of Massachusetts Bay’s treaty with the St. Johns and Micmac Indians; that Colonel Wilson’s battalion of militia be supplied with 22 muskets, 22 lbs. of powder, and 88 lbs. of lead; and that William Caldwell and William Lawrence be appointed paymasters of Col. Loammi Baldwin’s and Col. John Shee’s regiments,...
2914 August., 13 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
14 August. See the Board of War report for 13 August printed below.
3015 August., 15 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
15 August. The congress resolved that James Livingston be commissioned as colonel and ordered to raise as many companies of Canadians as would serve and that the commander in chief of the Northern Department recommend officers to serve under him ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress , 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 5:657).
3117 August., 17 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
17 August. The congress resolved that Gustavus Risberg be appointed an assistant to Clement Biddle, deputy quartermaster general to the Flying Camp ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress , 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 5:665–666; Note: Several other resolutions immediately following concerning the exchange of prisoners, troops raised in...
3221 August., 21 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
21 August. The congress resolved that the cannon committee let a contract for casting in brass or iron six 6-pounders, six 12-pounders, four 8-inch howitzers, and 6 Cohorn mortars for use by General Gates, and further that this committee take possession of the copper belonging to the United States at New London; that, until further orders, Maj. Gen. Artemas Ward remain in command of the...
3322 August., 22 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
22 August. On this date the Board presented a report that was tabled, with no indication given of its content ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress , 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 5:696). This was probably the report on the petition of Preudhome La Jeunesse that had been referred to the Board of War on 21 Aug. (same, p. 692). This...
34X. Draft Preamble of Committee Report on Inducing Foreign Officers to Desert, 27 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
Whereas it is probable, that among the Officers of the foreign Troops, now in the Service of the King of Great Britain, there may be many, of liberal Minds, possessed of just Sentiments of the Rights of human Nature and the inestimable Value of Freedom; who may be prompted, by the Feelings of Humanity, and a just Indignation at the disgracefull service to which they are devoted by an infamous...
3527 August., 27 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
27 August. The congress resolved that the expense of clothing the soldiers for the Continental Army raised in Virginia be assumed by the Continent and deducted from the soldiers’ pay and that Mr. Measam’s petition for compensation be referred to the Treasury Board ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress , 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. ,...
36II. Committee Report on A Plan of Treaties, 27 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
There shall be a firm, inviolable, and universal peace, and a true and sincere friendship between A. and B. and the subjects of A. and of B. and between the countries, islands, cities, and towns situate under the jurisdiction of A. and of B. and the people and inhabitants thereof of every degree, without exception of persons or places; and the Terms herein after mentioned shall be perpetual...
There shall be a firm inviolable and universal peace and a true and sincere friendship between the most serene and mighty prince Lewis the Sixteenth, the most Christian King, his heirs and successors and the United States of America; and the subjects of the most Christian King and of the said states; and between the countries, islands, cities and towns situate under the jurisdiction of the...
38The Continental Congress: Instructions to Franklin, Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee as Commissioners to France, [24 … (Franklin Papers)
Attested copy: Harvard University Library This document was long in the making. On August 27 Congress expanded the committee that was drafting the proposed treaty of commerce with France, and ordered it to draft also instructions to the commissioners who were to carry the treaty. The committee reported the instructions on September 10. On the 24th, a week after Congress approved the treaty, it...
39Resolution of Congress Appointing Franklin, Deane, and Jefferson as Commissioners to France, 26 September 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to the Order of the Day, Congress proceeded to the Appointment of Commissioners to the Court of France. Resolved, That three be appointed. The Ballots being taken Mr. Franklin, Mr. Deane, and Mr. Jefferson were elected. Resolved, That Secrecy shall be observed, until the farther Order of Congress, and that until Permission be obtained from Congress to disclose the Particulars of this...
40The Continental Congress: Letter of Credence to Franklin, Silas Deane, and Thomas Jefferson as Commissioners to France … (Franklin Papers)
DS : Harvard University Library; incomplete copy (?): American Philosophical Society The Delegates of the united States of New-hampshire, Massachusetts bay, Rhode-island, Connecticut, New-york, New-jersey, Pensylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-carolina, South-carolina and Georgia to all who shall see these presents greeting. Whereas a trade upon equal terms between the subjects of...
41Additional Instructions by Congress to Franklin, Deane, and Jefferson, 16 October 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Additional instructions to B F, S D, and T J, commissioners from the united states of America to the king of France. Whilst you are negotiating the affairs you are charged with at the court of France you will have opportunities of conversing frequen[t]ly with the ministers and agents of other european princes and states residing there. You shall endeavour, when you find occasion fit and...
42Bill for Raising Six Additional Battalions of Infantry, [28 October 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas it has been thought necessary by the American Congress that the armies of the United States should be augmented to eighty eight battalions, to be enlisted to serve during the continuance of the present war unless sooner discharged, and that fifteen of the said battalions should be furnished by this Commonwealth; and the said Congress by their resolutions have engaged to give to every...
43The Continental Congress: Letter of Credence for Franklin as Commissioner to Spain, [2 January 1777] (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society, Archivo Historico Nacional; draft: National Archives On December 30 Congress decided to offer a military alliance to France and to Spain, and to send commissioners to Madrid and other European courts. On January 1 Franklin was named the commissioner to Spain; the reason for choosing him, he believed, was nothing more than that many months earlier a son of...
44Order to Continental Officers, 22 September 1777 (Adams Papers)
Having here observed a diligent attention to the sick and wounded, and a benevolent desire to make the necessary provi sion for the relief of the distressed as far as the power of the Brethren enable them, We desire that all Continental officers may refrain from disturbing the persons or property of the Moravians in Bethlehem; and, particularly, that they do not disturb or molest the houses...
The delegates of the United States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pensylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, to all who shall see these presents send greeting. Whereas a trade upon equal terms between the subjects of his most Christian majesty the king of France and the...
46Enclosure: Congressional Resolution: A State of Facts, December 1777 (Adams Papers)
That by the return of ordinance and stores taken from the enemy in the Northern department from the 19 Sept. to 17 Oct. inclusive it appears, there were only 4647 muskets, which are returned “unfit for service,” 3477 bayonets without scabbards, 638 cartouch boxes, 1458 cutlasses without scabbards, 6000 dozen musket cartridges, 1135 ready or fixed shot for 32 peices of cannon, and only 15...
47The Continental Congress to Louis XVI: Letter of Credence for Franklin as Minister Plenipotentiary to France, [21 … (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): National Archives; LS : American Philosophical Society, Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copies: Archives du Ministère des Affaires Etrangères, National Archives, South Carolina Historical Society The Principles of Equality and Reciprocity on which you have entered into Treaties with us, give you an additional security for that good Faith with which we shall observe them from...
48To Benjamin Franklin from the Continental Congress: Instructions, Plan of an Attack upon Quebec and Observations on the … (Franklin Papers)
(I) LS : American Philosophical Society, Historical Society of Pennsylvania; draft: National Archives; (II) DS : American Philosophical Society; draft: National Archives; (III) DS : American Philosophical Society, South Carolina Historical Society; draft: National Archives; copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères These documents, like Franklin’s letter of credence, were drafted by...
49To Benjamin Franklin from the Continental Congress: Instructions, [14 August–16 October 1779] (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society (two), New-York Historical Society; AL (draft): National Archives Much of Congress’ time in 1779 was spent drafting peace ultimata, a task imposed on it by Spain’s offer in April to mediate Britain’s conflicts with the Americans and French. France, which conveyed the offer, used Conrad-Alexandre Gérard, her minister in...
50Election to Board of Admiralty, [22 March] 1780 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( Journals of the Continental Congress , XVI, 277). Resolved , That a member be elected for the Board of Admiralty, in the room of Mr. [James] Forbes, who by reason of sickness cannot attend. Congress proceeded to an election, and the ballots being taken, Mr. [James] Madison was elected. All brackets are in printed text. Forbes (b. ca . 1731) of Charles City County, Md., died on...